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Menstrual Products
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| Your Menstrual Cycle |
| Sanitary Napkins |
| Tampons |
| Tampon Safety |
| Menstrual Cup |
| References |
The menstrual cycle is a finely tuned sequence of events your body controls in order to prepare for a potential pregnancy.? A girl first experiences a menstrual period, which is characterized by monthly bleeding, during a time called puberty, usually during her teen years.? The menstrual cycle involves many factors and is regulated through the increase and decrease in the amounts of different hormones present. A part of your brain called the hypothalamus controls the release of hormones like the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutenizing hormone (LH).? FSH causes the eggs in the follicles of the ovaries to mature.? When an egg is mature a surge of the hormone estrogen triggers LH to stimulate the release of the egg from the follicle (ovulation) so that it can travel down the fallopian tubes to the uterus where it can be fertilized by a sperm.? Meanwhile, the discarded follicle, now called the corpus leuteum causes increased amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prepare your body for the egg that may become fertilized to produce a baby.? However, the corpus leuteum only lasts for a short while, and when it degrades completely the hormone levels decrease and the menstrual bleeding begins, removing the egg and preparing the body for the cycle to begin again. [1]
Once the day comes when you have your menstrual period, before dealing with cramps, bloating or any other symptoms, the most basic thing you have to deal with is figuring out what kind of feminine protection works best for you. There are many choices that catch or absorb your flow.? Additionally, you should wash the area daily with mild soap and water? In the past, women had very few menstrual product options to use during menstruation.? Cloth pads were the usual menstrual "device" before the introduction of commercial disposable pads in the late 1800ís. The first disposable pad in 1921 measured 22 inches (56 cm.) long, and the filler was 3.5 inches (9 cm.) wide[2]. Today there are various options available, but it is important to use the product that is right for you. Here is a list of various menstrual products with descriptions of what they are and where they can be found.
[ To Top ]Sanitary napkins, most commonly referred to as pads, are worn outside the body and placed in the underwear. There are various options available regarding materials used. Disposable pads are thrown away after each use and can be purchased just about anywhere. They are usually rectangular wads of cotton inside a liner. They have a sticky backing so they can be affixed to your underwear and come in different sizes and thicknesses, some with "wings" so that they wrap around the sides of your underwear to prevent stains
Reusable or washable pads used by some women are rinsed out after each use. Women in our society have tended not to use reusable pads because they are seen as an ancient way of protecting yourself during your period.
Some women with sensitive skin prefer the reusable pads because they cause less rashes and skin irritation from the friction between the sanitary napkin and the skin. Washable pads are more difficult to find in stores; the best places to look are online.
Pads can be worn until they are fully saturated, usually 4-6 hours, however there are some specific varieties for nighttime use. When menstrual blood comes in contact with the air, it dries and develops an odor. Controlling the odor is simple, just change your pad regularly, at least a few times a day and whenever the pad becomes soaked through.
[ To Top ]Tampons are cylinders made of cotton, rayon or other synthetic fibers. They are inserted into vagina, where they absorb menstrual flow before it leaves your body. Tampons are inserted with a finger or by using a disposable cardboard or plastic applicator. A string attached to the tampon hangs outside the body so you can remove the tampon by pulling on the string. Women have probably used tampons for thousands of years, but the first commercial tampons were sold in the 1920ís and 1930ís.
Different companies make their tampons out of different materials. Some companies sell "environmentally friendly" tampons made without additives and with unbleached cotton. Also, tampons come in many different absorbencies, ranging from light flow to super plus absorbency.
Tampons, when inserted correctly, are quite comfortable and canít be felt at all. At first, it may take a little practice to get the hang of inserting and removing them, but, after a while, most women find them to be pretty convenient. If you are a first time user, you may prefer tampons that come with an applicator. Tampons without applicators have to be pushed inside with your finger, and it can be a little harder to find the right spot. Whichever tampon you purchase will come with detailed instructions on how to insert it[6]. Check the other resources section for websites that offer detailed instructions and pictures for first time users.
[ To Top ]There is a small danger of developing TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) when using tampons. Read about TSS and how to prevent it from the FDA. Symptoms of TSS include a sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and/or fainting.**? While you are at risk for TSS when using tampons, the risks have been lessened over the past 20 years. Read more about historical perspectives and the reduced incidence of menstrual Toxic-Shock Syndrome. If you change tampons regularly (every 4-6 hours) tampons are generally safe[7].
Recently, there has been some controversy and concern about the safety of tampons. Some are concerned that the tampons being sold in the United States and elsewhere may be contaminated with asbestos and/or dioxins (chemicals that have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, infertility and immune system diseases). The Food and Drug Administration continues to insist that tampons are safe. There is, however, a lack of conclusive research on this topic.
[ To Top ]The menstrual cup is a relatively new means of menstrual protection introduced in the 1990s in the United States. Similar to a diaphragm, the cup is a small, flexible latex or rubber device that you insert inside the vagina and can be work up to 12 hours. You take it out and empty it regularly (when the cup fills up with blood), then put it back in again. The cup holds tight against your body with to prevent leakage.? However, the cup may require a higher level of comfort with your own body than either of the other methods. There are two varieties of cups: disposable and reusable. Some disposable brands are used once and thrown away and some are used for the duration of the period and then disposed of afterwards. The reusable brand can be used up to 10 years or more. Disposable menstrual cups can be found at certain health and beauty stores. The reusable cup can only be found online and is FDA accepted.? Some women with active lifestyles find the cup to be reliable, comfortable and cleaner than other products. Women that are uncomfortable with the site of blood might want to opt for a different product.[8]
Here is a table of Pros and Cons that summarizes the information above for each product to help you better determine which is the right product for you:
|
Type of Menstrual Product |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Disposable Pad |
Easy Safe Simple Widely Available |
Can feel bulky Can be messy Tends to have an odor Women complain of skin irritation Not environmentally friendly |
|
Reusable Pad |
Easy Safe Environmentally Friendly Less Irritation |
Can feel bulky Can be messy Requires level of comfort with your body Primarily purchased online |
|
Tampons |
Donít feel bulky or messy You can easily swim/be active Small and discreet |
You have to get comfortable with putting them in and taking them????????????????????? out Risk of TSS |
|
Menstrual cup |
Donít feel bulky or messy You can easily swim, be active Small and discreet Less leakage than tampons |
You have to be comfortable with you body to insert and remove You have to be comfortable with the site of blood |
[1] http://www.parentsplace.com/health/adulthealth/gen/0,3375,14431-1,00.html